Key Takeaways
- Complete a Trainee SQE Pathway or Training Contract to qualify as a solicitor.
- Start date for the SQE pathway is September 2029, with study commencing September 2028.
- Requires a qualifying law degree, or a non-law degree with a PGDL (or equivalent).
- Applications are for roles commencing in September 2029.
About the Role
About Your New Role
These roles are for a September 2029 start. If you have completed the Legal Practice Course (LPC), there is a possibility to start earlier (this will be discussed if successful).
This application is for those who are looking to complete our Trainee SQE Pathway or are currently studying towards, or have completed the Legal Practice Course (LPC).
Our trainee programmes will provide you with excellent training and experience across seats in different areas of the business, which will include everything required for your qualification to solicitor. During this time, you will be given the opportunity to complete a range of different work with a robust support network of supervision and mentoring.
About You
SQE Pathway
You can apply to complete our trainee solicitor - SQE pathway programme if you have completed a qualifying law degree, or a non-law degree together with the PGDL (or equivalent conversion course).
Successful candidates will be guaranteed a place to study for SQE1 and SQE2 with BPP University Law School. As we recruit two years in advance, you will have the opportunity to study for SQE1 on a full-time or part-time basis before joining the firm as a trainee solicitor. Once you have gained practical experience within the firm, you will then complete SQE2.
If successful, your journey would typically follow the timeline below:
- September 2028 – Begin studying for SQE1 on a full-time or part-time basis.
- July 2029 – Sit SQE1.
- September 2029 – Join Weightmans as a Trainee Solicitor and commence your qualifying work experience (QWE).
- 2030 – Sit SQE2 after gaining relevant on-the-job experience within the firm.
Please note: this programme is designed for candidates who have not yet started SQE studies. As the SQE pathway outlined above includes sitting SQE2 in 2030, candidates who have already started or completed SQE1 are not eligible to apply.
Training Contract
You can apply to complete our Training contracts if you are currently studying towards, or have completed, the Legal Practice Course (LPC). If you have not yet commenced the LPC, you can become a trainee solicitor by following our trainee solicitor - SQE pathway to qualification.